Remote collaboration will look a little different, but it is definitely still possible. Here are some ideas:
Try not to procrastinate. That group project may be out-of-sight, out-of-mind if you aren’t seeing your group members regularly. Resist the urge to put the project off. Make small progress regularly on the project and stay in touch. Chunk the project into parts and create “group deadlines” for when you want certain chunks to be done to help keep you on track.
Meet regularly, especially if you usually communicate during class or lab. Consider a quick text on your group chat about progress every few days. Ideally, have real conversations over video when you’re working together.
Set a goal for meetings and use a shared notes doc. Meetings might now feel different when using video, even if your classmates were really good at working informally in the past. Try to establish the purpose of your meeting in advance. Take notes in a shared doc so you can all contribute and follow along.
Keep videos open when you can during group work. As long as you can see whatever you need to collaborate, aim to keep the video visible on your computer screen. Doing that will help you see the expressions of your teammates and stay connected to each other.
Check on each other and ask for backup: If someone has been absent from your group meetings or chat, check in with them directly to see if there’s something they need such as: changing the times of meetings, communicating via a different interface (text vs. email), help with understanding their role for a project, etc. If you consistently aren’t getting responses within a day or two, let your instructor know.
